The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 308

Owen staggered back as the slap landed, leaving a sharp red handprint on his fair cheek.

He pressed a hand to his face, eyes wide in disbelief as he looked at his mother. “What was that for?” His voice was low and angry.

For a split second, something fierce and dangerous flickered across his eyes.

Nanette was startled when she saw that cruelty, but she quickly steadied herself. “That’s what I should be asking you,” she said, her tone hard.

Before she could lose her temper, there was a knock at the door. The secretary stepped in with coffee. Nanette dropped her raised hand and folded her arms tightly across her chest. She turned to look out the window, visibly holding back her anger.

Sensing the tension, the secretary didn’t dare linger. She set the coffee down and hurried out. The door clicked shut behind her.

Owen tugged at his tie, walked over to his desk, and dropped into his chair. He leaned back, eyes cold.

“I’m running this place now, but you’re still my mother. I’ll ignore that slap, but at least tell me why you hit me.”

Nanette clicked across the floor in her heels. She set her purse on the desk, facing him head-on. “How did you end up in charge? I want to hear it from you.”

Owen pulled out a cigarette and tapped it against the box. “Franco went down. The company couldn’t go a day without a boss, so everyone backed me.”

“And why did Franco go down?” Nanette asked, her voice pushing, almost accusing.

“Didn’t you see the headlines?” Owen said with a little laugh. He picked up his lighter, about to flick it on.

Memories rushed through Nanette’s mind, cold and sharp like ice in her veins.

She walked around the desk and put a hand on his shoulder, leaning close so their eyes met. “Owen, tell me what really happened.”

Owen glanced at her trembling fingers resting on him, then held her gaze, a complicated look on his face. “You’re scared.”

“No,” Nanette shot back.

“I’m just worried you took things too far to get this position.”

Owen broke eye contact, looking away with a tight jaw. “Why is it you all think Franco deserved this from the start and I’m the only one who’d stoop to something dirty?”